Extend both sides of Multiwire Circuit?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 103
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Extend both sides of Multiwire Circuit?
Diagrams of basic multi-wire circuits show circuits alternating, in a "linear" way, with 3-wire cable to 3-wire cable and extending one circuit with 2-wire cable. What if the circuits met a fork in the road at the first box, and both extended? 3wire splits to 2wire and 2wire.
For example (each device is in a separate electrical box):
"Linear" Case 1: Multi-wire circuit with 12-3 to device1(Red Ckt), 12-3 to device2(Black Ckt), 12-2 to device3(Red Ckt).
"Fork" Case 2: Multi-wire circuit with 12-3 to device1(Red Ckt) and send the circuits off in different directions from this box: 12-2 to device 2(Black Ckt), 12-2 to device3(Red Ckt).
Is Case 2 OK? I can't find a diagram that shows this in my quite limited supply of electrical books. Seems straightforward to me. Just more neutral and ground wires to splice in the first box.
For example (each device is in a separate electrical box):
"Linear" Case 1: Multi-wire circuit with 12-3 to device1(Red Ckt), 12-3 to device2(Black Ckt), 12-2 to device3(Red Ckt).
"Fork" Case 2: Multi-wire circuit with 12-3 to device1(Red Ckt) and send the circuits off in different directions from this box: 12-2 to device 2(Black Ckt), 12-2 to device3(Red Ckt).
Is Case 2 OK? I can't find a diagram that shows this in my quite limited supply of electrical books. Seems straightforward to me. Just more neutral and ground wires to splice in the first box.
#2
Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Central New York State
Posts: 13,245
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
What you describe is fine. This would be a good solution for wiring two kitchen counter top circuits, where each set of receptacles needed to be GFCI protected. You could make the first receptacle on each fork a GFCI receptacle and continue each fork on the LOAD side of that receptacle.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 103
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again for the reassurance. Much appreciated. Usually I work through things by myself via trial(s) and success. This alternate method of planning for first-time perfection with you guys is fun too.